Are we the sheep or the shepherd?

The image of the shepherd runs like a vein through Scripture: it shapes how God relates to a vulnerable people and how people are called to relate to one another. Sometimes we stand in the safety of the flock; sometimes we take up the staff. The question isn’t merely symbolic, it is practical, moral, and spiritual. Where we find ourselves at any moment will shape how we listen, act, and love.

Photo by Pawan Sharma on Unsplash

Biblical Foundation

The Bible uses shepherding to describe God’s involvement with a vulnerable people. In the Old Testament the metaphor describes God and good leaders as shepherds who lead, feed, protect, and judge the flock. The Gospels adapt that language: the Synoptics deploy parables and pastoral observations while John gives the clearest, most theological portrait in the Good Shepherd discourse.

Old Testament

• Genesis 48:15: Jacob blesses Joseph and remembers God as his shepherd, a personal testimony of guidance.

• Psalm 23: God as shepherd provides pasture, rest, restoration and company through danger, the image shapes Israel’s prayer and consolation.

• Ezekiel 34: Prophets condemn leaders who scatter and prey on the flock and promise divine judgment and shepherding instead.

• Jeremiah 23:1–4: Similar criticism of negligent shepherds, paired with a promise of righteous shepherds who will gather and feed the remnant.

  
  

The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

• Matthew 9:36 & Mark 6:34: Jesus sees crowds “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,” prompting compassion and provision.

• Matthew 18:12–14 & Luke 15:3–7: The parable of the lost sheep: the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to rescue the one, highlighting divine pursuit, mercy, and communal joy when the lost are recovered.

• Mark’s brief references point toward pastoral provision, as in the feeding of the five thousand.

  
  

John 10: Key Themes

• Jesus calls himself “the Good Shepherd” who “lays down his life for the sheep.”

• The passage emphasises intimacy: “I know my sheep and my sheep know me” and voice recognition: the sheep follow because they know the shepherd’s voice.

• John anchor’s identity and mission in shepherding language and extends care beyond the immediate fold: “I have other sheep that are not of this fold.”

When We Are the Shepherd

We are shepherds when we bear responsibility for others. This role appears in many forms: parent, mentor, pastor, community leader, friend who intervenes.

Signs we are acting as shepherd:

• We prioritise presence and listening before we direct.

• We make help accessible and take responsibility for restoration.

• We accept cost—of comfort, time, reputation, or resources—for another’s flourishing.

  
  

Typical moments we become a shepherd:

• A person, family, small group, or community is under our care and needs feeding, protection or guidance.

• We lead formation: teaching, mentoring, counselling, or creating environments where people can learn to hear God.

• Someone is endangered, lost, or unable to care for themselves we must act to safeguard them.

  
  

When We Are the Sheep

We are sheep when we need to receive rather than perform. Being the sheep is not passive failure; it is the posture of dependence the Scriptures describe as proper at times.

Signs we are acting as sheep:

• We ask for help and accept direction or correction.

• We admit dependence and allow ourselves to be known rather than proving our worth by productivity.

• We rest in our identity, provision, and formation.

  
  

Typical moments we are sheep:

• We are vulnerable, confused, exhausted, grieving, or lacking resources and require patient guidance.

• We are learning, discerning, or trying to hear God’s voice and need formation rather than instruction.

• We have failed, strayed, or become trapped by habits and need rescuing, restoration, and forgiveness.

  
  

Moving Well Between Roles: Practical Guidelines

Healthy spiritual life requires fluidity between shepherd and sheep. The church and any community needs both strong shepherds and teachable sheep.

• Listen first: shepherds begin by listening; sheep practice honest asking.

• Name the role: say aloud when you need care or when you’re offering it. Clarity prevents confusion.

• Set limits and supports shepherds keep accountable rhythms; sheep accept boundaries that enable healthy dependence.

• Pass on the role: shepherds train successors; sheep are invited to learn to shepherd as part of their formation.

  
  

Short Reflective Practice

Sit quietly for two minutes and ask: “Right now, am I needing to be found or called to seek?”

• If you need care: name one person to ask and one person you will tell this week.

• If you’re called to shepherd: choose one small sacrificial step we will take this week to protect, listen to, or restore someone.

Both images—sheep and shepherd—frame a single vocation: to know the Shepherd’s voice and to embody his care. Sometimes we rest in the fold; sometimes we walk ahead with staff and watchful eyes. Both are necessary; both are holy.